Former India opener Abhinav Mukund believes the pressure on Shubman Gill has reached a “critical point”, urging the Indian cricket board to introduce split captaincy following India’s opening Test defeat to South Africa. India were bowled out for a mere 93 while chasing 124 in the second innings in Chennai, suffering a 30-run defeat — South Africa’s first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years.
Speaking on The Great Indian Cricket Show on Doordarshan, Mukund said the expectations placed on India at home are enormous.
“At home, everyone expects India to win — no questions asked,” he said.
Gill’s absence in the second innings, due to a sudden neck spasm, intensified India’s batting collapse. The Indian captain had suffered the spasm while attempting a slog sweep in the first innings and retired hurt on four. His injury, combined with the pressure of constant workload, has now become a major talking point.
The 25-year-old has been playing back-to-back cricket across formats with barely any break. Immediately after leading India to a 2-0 Test series sweep over the West Indies at home, Gill flew to Australia to captain the ODI side, also featuring in the T20Is. He then returned to India and took charge of the Test team just four days after the final T20I in Brisbane. This came after a gruelling five-match away series in England, where he led India to a remarkable 2-2 draw.
Mukund believes Gill has the potential to become a long-term leader but insisted that managing his workload is essential.
“I think Shubman has it in him to become an all-format captain, but I don’t think India should have an all-format captain anymore,” the former opener said.
“Split captaincy is a smart move. Shubman Gill has been given the responsibility in Tests, and he will be under big pressure.”
Mukund further added that this South Africa series is extremely significant for Gill and the team, coming right after the confidence-boosting England series earlier this year.